Aetheric Chronicles: Reborn As An Extra

The two days passed in the blink of an eye, and the day for the Festival of Renewal arrived.

The village of Eldergrove buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Colorful banners adorned every house, and the streets were filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted meats. The villagers wore their best clothes, and children ran around with laughter, their faces painted with vibrant colors.

Adrian watched the preparations with a mix of curiosity and wariness. He still hadn't discovered any clear clues about how to pass this illusion, but he felt a growing sense of purpose. The villagers' genuine warmth and the bond he had formed with Lily and the old man had stirred something deep within him.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the village square filled with people. A large stage had been set up, decorated with flowers and ribbons. At the center of the stage stood a tall, intricately carved wooden statue of the Sacred Spirit, its features serene and majestic.

Lily tugged at Adrian's hand, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Come on, Brother! The festival is about to start!"

Adrian smiled and followed her, weaving through the crowd until they found a spot near the stage. The villagers gathered around, their faces glowing with anticipation.

The old man, now dressed in ceremonial robes, stepped onto the stage. He raised his hands, and the crowd fell silent.

"Welcome, everyone, to the Festival of Renewal!" he announced, his voice strong and clear. "Today, we honor the Sacred Spirit who protects our village and brings us prosperity. Let us celebrate with joy and gratitude!"

The crowd cheered, and musicians began to play lively tunes. Dancers took to the stage, their movements graceful and exuberant. Adrian watched, captivated by the display of culture and tradition.

But as the festival continued, a sense of unease settled over him. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, that there was more to this festival than met the eye.

His suspicions were confirmed when the old man stepped forward again, his expression more solemn.

"As we celebrate, we must also remember those we have lost," he said, his voice tinged with sadness. "This year, we pay special tribute to the Sacred Spirit by offering a Renewal Ceremony. Seven chosen children will undergo the trial of the Sacred Spirit to ensure our continued protection and blessings."

Adrian's heart pounded. Could this be the clue he had been searching for? The Renewal Ceremony sounded like a significant event, possibly the key to passing this illusion.

"Now, let's choose this year's chosen ones."

'It seems I was right...' Adrian muttered inwardly as he heard the old man, the village chief's words.

Adrian stood among the villagers, observing their reactions as the announcement was made. Most parents and children seemed happy and excited, encouraging their little ones with smiles and words of support. But two people caught Adrian's attention: the village chief, who subtly gestured for his grandson to remain quiet, and the old man who had rescued Adrian, now hiding Lily behind him protectively.

Adrian's mind raced, piecing together the puzzle. 'Is this truly a Festival of Renewal or more of a festival of removal?' he thought grimly. The children were likely sacrifices, and both the chief and the old man knew it. His heart pounded in his chest as he watched the proceedings with growing dread.

Just as he was considering his next move, the worst happened. The village chief, with a grandiose gesture, selected Lily as one of the chosen children. Adrian's blood ran cold.

"No!" A voice echoed in his mind. Then, suddenly, an uncontrollable rage enveloped him, his killing intent rising as he glared at the village chief. He barely managed to take control of himself, confused at the intensity of his emotions but fully aware of the urgency of the situation.

Without hesitation, Adrian stepped forward, his voice ringing out clearly. "I will participate instead of Lily. She is too young for this, and I'm afraid she won't be able to pass the trial."

The village chief looked at him for a moment, his eyes widening slightly in surprise. He observed Adrian carefully for another moment before shaking his head and giving an amiable smile. "You won't regret your choice," he said, his tone almost too welcoming.

Adrian knew he had to stay calm. "Thank you," he replied, his voice steady despite the odd emotional turmoil within.

"N-No, brother! You can't leave me too!"

"Lily? I will be fine, you stay with Grandpa ok?"

"N-No, hick-hick, brother didn't come back after saying the same thing... Hick-Hick..."

A cold glint passed through Adrian's eyes as he felt Lily's small hand clutching his while trembling, and he squeezed it reassuringly. "I'll be okay," he whispered to her. "Wait for me, ok?"

Adrian gently pried Lily's hand away, crouching down to look her in the eyes. "Lily, I promise I'll come back. Stay with Grandpa, okay?"

Lily's eyes were filled with tears, but she nodded reluctantly. "Okay, Brother... Please be safe."

Adrian smiled, ruffling her hair before turning to the old man. "Take care of her," he said softly.

The old man nodded, his eyes full of understanding and concern. Then with a little hesitation he said. "Be careful, lad."

With one last reassuring glance at Lily, Adrian followed the village chief and the other chosen children towards the mountain where the Sacred Spirit's Abode lay. The path wound through the dense forest, the towering trees casting long shadows as they climbed higher. Adrian's mind raced with possible strategies and solutions for the upcoming trial.

They eventually reached the entrance of a cave at the mountain's base. The chief led them inside, the narrow tunnel opening up into a large clearing illuminated by a mysterious, pale light. The air was thick with a sense of foreboding.

"Thud-!"

Suddenly, Adrian felt a sharp pain at the back of his head, and his vision blurred. As he fell to the ground, he saw the other children collapsing too. The chief's words, faint and echoing, were barely audible as darkness overtook him.

"You all will ensure our village's prosperity..."